There is hardly a more common error than that of taking the man who has one talent, for a genius.

Wisdom is seldom gained without suffering.

I do not know any way so sure of making others happy as of being so oneself, to begin with.

The apparent foolishness of others is but too frequently our own ignorance.

The measure of civilization in a people is to be found in its just appreciation of the wrongfulness of war.

Rare almost as great poets, rarer, perhaps, than veritable saints and martyrs; are consummate men of business. A man, to be excellent in this way, requires a great knowledge of character, with that exquisite tact which feels unerringly the right moment when to act. A discreet rapidity must pervade all the movements of his thought and action. He must be singularly free from vanity, and is generally found to be an enthusiast who has the art to conceal his enthusiasm.

Remember that in giving any reason at all for refusing, you lay some foundation for a future request.